In an interview with WISN 12 News, Abele said he wants more partnerships between county and local municipalities.

"I think we'll get better service," he said. "We'll save money."

Abele particularly would like to reintroduce a proposal that would make local police departments responsible for park safety, taking that burden off the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office.

A tentative agreement between Abele and City of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett was announced on Sept. 24. That plan would have had the Milwaukee Police Department patrolling the parks within the city limits.

Sheriff David Clarke responded a day later that he would not implement such a plan.

Abele's proposal with the city was to spend $1.2 million per year to reimburse the Milwaukee Police Department for patrolling the parks and taking over cellphone 911 duties. Abele said the move would have allowed him to cut the Sheriff's Office budget by $3.3 million in an effort to balance the county budget.

The county board rejected the patrol plan.

While some saw the measure as a power struggle, Abele said it is simply about streamlining government and saving money.

"A leaner, meaner, more adaptable and nimble government. That's the goal," he said.

A Mexican photojournalist who left the state he worked in because of threats was among five people found shot to death in a Mexico City apartment this weekend, officials and press freedom advocacy groups said.